Customer Rating:

Description

The "Honorable William Wall" is one of the most unique experiences in NYC! It was featured in The New York Times and was recently voted Lower Manhattan's #1 secret treasure. IF FIRST FOUR LAUNCHES ARE SOLD OUT YOU CAN STILL RIDE OUT STANDBY STARTING AT 7:30 ONCE PEOPLE HAVE LEFT THE CLUBHOUSE.

The Honorable William Wall is Manhattan Sailing Club's floating clubhouse. It is anchored in New York Harbor just North of Ellis Island (May-October).

The clubhouse is open to members and non-members. Transportation to and from the clubhouse is provided by the USCG certified Admiral's Launch.

The clubhouse is open Tuesday through Saturday. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are race evenings when sailboats circle the clubhouse from about 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays have a lively bar and social scene.

The clubhouse features:

An open-air bar on the upper deck

Incredible views of the skyline of Manhattan!

Sailboat races around the clubhouse.

The clubhouse is open Tuesday through Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m and Saturdays from 3 to 9:45 p.m.

Feel free to bring your own picnic and food, but all beverages must be purchased on board the clubhouse. Food may also be ordered from nearby restaurants, and will be brought out to the clubhouse by launch. The clubhouse is also available for private parties and corporate events.

When the clubhouse is at full capacity, the launch operates on a member-first policy where club members get to go to the front of the line.

The clubhouse is named after the Honorable William Wall, who set up a successful rope business in Williamsburg, Brooklyn in the early 1800s. He later served as a noted local political figure and a New York City Congressman during the Civil War.

Enjoy New York City's best kept secret. Discover the harbor by visiting the Honorable William Wall!

Please Note: The last launch to the clubhouse takes place at 8:45 p.m. Launches at later times than what is listed on our calendar are walk-up only.

If you would to book a large group (more than 6 people), please contact us directly by clicking the "Contact ManhattanYC" link on the left side of this page.

What Is Not Included?

The price of drinks at the bar is not included, so please bring cash and/or credit cards for drinks. You are welcome to bring your own food (drinks must be purchased on board).

Such a great idea to go and experience the amazing sunset over the city & enjoy some drinks with friends! It's great that you can leave whenever you want or stay for as long as you want. There are no restrictions. We went for a couple of drinks before dinner & our international guests absolutely loved it!!

Rating: 5

The Best Kept Secret

andrewklima

Fri, Oct 3, 14 6:00 PM

Male

20-29

Local

Group of Friends

We love the William Wall. Such a unique experience and the best way to enjoy an awesome view of Manhattan.

Rating: 1

Not allowed to reschedule

fmelendez

Fri, Oct 3, 14 5:30 PM

Male

30-39

Local

Group of Friends

We had unforeseen circumstances on our way to the marina and we couldn't make it on time and no reschedule was allowed not returns. I understand the policy but sometimes things happen that are out of our control.

Rating: 1

Misleading

jraviv

Fri, Sep 26, 14 7:00 PM

Male

20-29

Local

Group of Friends

We show up and the launch isn't working. So we cant get out to the clubhouse in the water. Instead we're told to just go on a docket yacht and pay for drinks there. There was no real explanation or offer off a refund: as if an evening on a packed docket yacht w/ overpriced drinks is comparable to what we originally bought the tickets for. Ridiculous.

Rating: 2

boat motor broken, no refund given

nshenai

Fri, Sep 26, 14 7:00 PM

Male

20-29

Domestic Tourist(s)

Couple on a Date

the boat's motor didn't work, so we stayed docked and just drank on a topsy turvey docked boat. i called zerve and they just referred me to the manhattah yacht club, who hasn't returned my calls. be warned.

Rating: 1

Broken down boat

MMunizaga

Fri, Sep 26, 14 6:30 PM

Unspecified

Unspecified

Unspecified

Unspecified

The boat's generator wasn't working and we were not given any free drinks and were charged to stay on the docked boat.

Rating: 1

Never went to William Wall, and no refund

mfgoofy7

Fri, Sep 26, 14 6:00 PM

Female

30-39

Local

Group of Friends

I recognize that it is out of their control that the generators went down and they could not offer the service which we had already paid for in advance (which was to go to the William Wall Clubhouse). I also recognize that they offered consolation that we could hang out on the fancy boat. But I was extremely disappointed that after months of talking about this outing with my friends, and looking forward to it, we not only did not get to go, but also were not offered tickets to another night as compensation. Make it a weeknight, or whatever. That's fine. But I think it is not unreasonable to expect to have our tickets honored another night. I already paid $40 for my boyfriend and I to sit in the harbor for an evening so that we could hang out with our friends we get to see so rarely. There's not a chance I will pay $40 again to actually go to the william wall clubhouse, which is too bad because I hear it is great, and probably would have become a repeat visitor if I wasn't so disappointed with how they handled their own mechanical issues. Next time, I can go sit in the harbor for free, and bring my own food and drink.

Rating: 4

Nice time had by all

mdiaz14160

Tue, Sep 23, 14 5:30 PM

Male

50-59

Local

Group of Friends

I liked it however, I was supposed to be reimbursed because I was a member of the Yacht club. that didn't happen. Also two of my party didn't make it. Am I supposed to eat the tickets in this case? I don't think that's right. To me, that's 46 wasted dollars I could've used for drinks or tips. Or ANYTHING else rather than throw away.

Rating: 5

A NYC bar like no other

JeffreyEzrin

Sat, Sep 20, 14 4:30 PM

Male

20-29

Local

Couple on a Date

I needed a break from the typical NYC bar and club scene and I found exactly what I was looking for! Coronas with limes, wind in my hair, and an unbeatable view all embodied the perfect afternoon, leaving you feeling like you got away from the hustle and bustle we all know too well. If I was selfish I would recommend this to no one as I want it all for myself but New Yorkers need to know.... Escape to the William Wall!

FAQs

Do I have to purchase in advance?

No, but it is highly recommended that you purchase launch tickets in advance. The capacity of the clubhouse is 149 passengers. On weekdays, advanced tickets are sold for the 5:30, 6, 6:30 and 7 p.m. launches. If you have a ticket and the launches are sold out, you are guaranteed to get out. If the early launches are not sold out, you can buy a ticket at the dock. Starting at 7 p.m., more tickets are sold at the dock as people come off the clubhouse. If the clubhouse is at capacity and 25 people come off, then 25 more people can go out. Please be advised that we have a strong tendency to sell out, so advance purchase is highly recommended.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes, you you can bring your own picnic food out the clubhouse but you may not bring you own drinks. All drinks must be purchased onboard.

How big is the launch and how many people fit on it?

The Admiral's Launch is a 40-foot former US Navy vessel. She was built by Willard Marine to top Navy standards. The launch is certified for up to 49 passengers.

Do I have to worry about falling into the water at any time?

No, you do not have to worry about falling in the water. However, visiting the clubhouse in the harbor does require "sea legs." You have to climb up two steps and then over a rail to board Admiral's Launch. You have to walk down boarding steps at the clubhouse as well.

Can you do private events?

Yes, many companies rent the Honorable William Wall for office parties every summer. If you are interested in a private event, please contact us directly by clicking the "Contact ManhattanYC" on the left side of this page.

What is the price range of drinks at the bar?

Drinks range from $2 for soda and water to $7 for beers. Mixed drinks are very reasonably priced and the clubhouse also offers bottles of champagne.

What about food?

There is very limited bar food. Most people bring their own picnic snacks with them. You can also order from nearby restaurants and have the food delivered to the clubhouse.

Is the boat/bar wheelchair accessible?

No, we are sorry but the clubhouse is not wheelchair accessible. You have to climb up boarding ladders and over rails to get onboard.

Do I have to be a minimum age?

No, as a vessel, children who are accompanied by an adult are welcomed to come out to the clubhouse. Please note that everyone needs a regular-priced ticket.

Who do I contact if I'm interested in joining the club?

For more information about joining the club, you can visit our website. You can read about membership there and an online membership application is available.

How long does it take to get to the bar?

The launch ride from North Cove to the clubhouse takes about 8 minutes. Disembarking from the launch takes a few minutes. But relax, you've lived your whole life getting to this point. Now that you are finally here, there is no longer a reason to rush.

Does the price of my ticket include my return trip?

Yes, the launch fee is for a round-trip.

What is the latest that I can return?

The last launch with passengers departs from the clubhouse at 9:45 p.m. If the clubhouse is at capacity at 8:30 p.m., then the 8:45, 9:15 and 9:45 launches must all take the maximum number of people off in order to close by 10 p.m.

Does the bar have a maximum allowed amount of people?

Yes, the USCG capacity for the Honorable William Wall is 149 passengers.

What landmarks will we be able to see from the clubhouse?

You will have the world's best view of the Skyline of Lower Manhattan from the Honorable William Wall. During the early evening, the skyline changes color as the sun sets. And then the lights of the city go on and the view from the clubhouse becomes even more magical. You will also be able to see the Statue of Liberty in the distance.

What happens if it rains?

Small amount of rain or a passing storm do not faze us. The clubhouse has a roof which keeps you dry. If the weather is really bad and raining or storming all day, then we sometimes decide to close.

What types of payment do you accept at the bar?

We accept all major credit cards as well as cash.

Do you have life jackets?

There are life jackets on the launch as well as the clubhouse, per US Coast Guard regulations.

Will I get seasick?

Most people do not get seasick. But if you are prone to seasickness, it is possible. The Honorable William Wall is a boat which floats and is moving.

Is it okay if I'm pregnant?

If you are pregnant, please check with your doctor. We advise women against drinking alcohol while pregnant.

Is there a restroom at the clubhouse?

Yes, there are 2 beautiful bathrooms on the clubhouse. The bathrooms are "marine heads" so please remember to conserve water.

If I'm driving where should I park?

We recommend you use public transportation and help the environment. There is also a taxi stand at the corner of South End and Liberty Street.

Is smoking allowed at the clubhouse?

There is smoking allowed but we request that you smoke away from other patrons who may not appreciate the second hand smoke. The lower deck on the southern end of the clubhouse is an out of the way place.

Can I bring my dog or pet?

No, we are sorry that pets are not permitted on the clubhouse. We do not have facilities for pets to go to the bathroom and the launch is not suitable to pets as well.

About

Manhattan Yacht Club

Manhattan Sailing Club is the largest sailing organization active in New York Harbor. The club was founded in 1987 and has helped to lead the recreational renassiance of the harbor. The club is an inclusive organization and is trying to share the joy of sailing and the magnificence of New York Harbor with more people.

Anyone interested in sailing is encoruaged to get involved. We hope your visit to the clubhouse in the harbor makes you want to become a sailor too. The public teaching arm of the club is called Manhattan Sailing School. You can sign up for sailing lessons on their websitewww.sailmanhattan.com. There are also junior programs for kids during the summer months.

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